Two Melbourne Rebels have been named in the Wallaroos 30-player squad for the upcoming Pacific Four series starting against Canada at Allianz Stadium on May 11.
Rebels Tiarah Minns and Ashley Marsters have been named in the squad to take on Canada, USA and New Zealand in the three-game tournament after both players had critical roles in the Rebels’ on-field performance in the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s competition.
The versatility of Marsters proves to be one of her strongest traits, transferring her skill set and ability from front row to back row and even demonstrating her skills and hard ball running to slot into the midfield. Always willing to do what it takes to win, that competitive edge helped see the Rebels push for their second-ever win in 2024 to close out the season.
A fan favourite, Tiarah Minns is no stranger to the national system, having been previously selected as part of the Wallaroos Squad, Minns will be looking to have her run of form in Super Rugby extend to the National side.
A towering lock with a strong set piece, Tiarah’s experience at lineout time gave the Rebels a strong platform to attack from in 2024. Her work ethic around the park is unparalleled, leading the Rebels on multiple occasions in defence.
With a match-up at AAMI Park against USA on May 17, as part of a doubleheader when the Melbourne Rebels take on the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific, both Rebels will be looking forward to representing their country in front of home fans.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has included 20 players who were part of last year’s O’Reilly Cup and WXV campaigns while nine potential debutants are among the fresh faces in the squad.
A further 10 development players will also join camp ahead of the opening game in Sydney.
Wallaroos lock Michaela Leonard will continue her role as captain for the series while try-scoring wingers Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart are among 13 NSW Waratahs players to be selected following Sunday’s Super Rugby W grand final victory.
Leonard will be joined by experienced forwards Eva Karpani, Bridie O’Gorman and Ashley Marsters in the pack while Piper Duck returns to the squad after missing last season due to injury.
The uncapped players named in the squad ranges from teenagers Shalom Sauaso, Allana Sikimeti and Caitlyn Halse to 32-year-old Sally Fuesaina, who has earned a position after strong performances for ACT Brumbies.
Brumbies teammates Biola Dawa and Lydia Kavoa have also received maiden call-ups, along with Western Force duo Samantha Wood and Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, and Melbourne Rebels lock Tiarah Minns.
Wallaroos Head Coach Jo Yapp said: “The Super Rugby Women's competition has been really competitive and has given us a great opportunity to not only observe our managed group but up and coming players too.
"We feel the squad we have selected for the Pacific Four series gives us a good mix of experience and youth. We are really looking forward to getting into camp and kick starting the competition against Canada.
"We will also bring in 10 development players into the training squad for the first six days. It is important that we start to expose more players to that next level up. We won’t know if they can take that step unless we give them the opportunity to do so."
National Women’s High Performance Manager Jaime Fernandez added: "I would like to congratulate all of the players selected, it is great reward for their efforts and performances throughout the Super Rugby Women’s competition.
"I want to thank Jo and her team of coaches for undertaking a thorough and comprehensive process, whereby they selected a squad reflective of the fierce and competitive Super Rugby Women’s series.
"Players in both the Pacific Four and Development squads have demonstrated their capability and form throughout the last 10 weeks of pre-season and Super Rugby competition.
"I have been extremely pleased with the coaching staff’s approach and the attention to detail they have demonstrated, resulting in the Wallaroos’ first squad for 2024.
"I am also encouraged to see a mix of experience and youth, along with recognition of a group of players who are not far away from representative honours.
"We are firmly focused on not only the immediate goal of the upcoming Pacific Four series, but future Tests in 2024, and of course the longer-term goal being the Rugby World Cup in 2025.”
The Wallaroos host Canada at Allianz Stadium on May 11 before shifting to Melbourne where they’ll take on the USA at AAMI Park on May 17.
Their final match of the series will be played in Auckland against New Zealand on May 25.
Tickets for the Pacific Four series are available at Ticketek while fans catch the action live ad free and on demand on Stan Sport.
2024 WALLAROOS SQUAD - PACIFIC FOUR SERIES
Allana Sikimeti* (ACT Brumbies) – uncapped
Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps
Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs) – 3 caps
Bridie O'Gorman (NSW Waratahs) – 17 caps
Sally Fuesaina* (ACT Brumbies) - uncapped
Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke* (Western Force) – uncapped
Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies) – 10 caps
Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs) – 15 caps
Michaela Leonard (c) (Western Force) – 22 caps
Tiarah Minns* (Melbourne Rebels) – uncapped
Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels) – 26 caps
Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs) – 9 caps
Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs) – 2 caps
Lydia Kavoa* (ACT Brumbies) – uncapped
Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies) – 6 caps
Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs) – 10 caps
Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies) – 4 caps
Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs) – 19 caps
Samantha Wood* (Western Force) – uncapped
Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps
Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies) – 6 caps
Cecilia Smith (Queensland Reds) – 12 caps
Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs) – 19 caps
Shalom Sauaso* (Queensland Reds) – uncapped
Trilleen Pomare (Western Force) – 24 caps
Biola Dawa* (ACT Brumbies) – uncapped
Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs) – 2 caps
Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) – 8 caps
Caitlyn Halse* (NSW Waratahs) – uncapped
Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds) – 19 caps
*denotes potential debutant
Capped players unavailable for selection due to injury
Emily Chancellor Bree-Anna Cheatham Jasmin Huriwai Adiana Talakai
WALLAROOS DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
Ashley Fernandez (ACT Brumbies)
Ashlea Bishop (ACT Brumbies)
Brittany Merlo (NSW Waratahs)
Janita Kareta (Queensland Reds)
Melanie Wilks (Queensland Reds)
Natalie Wright (Queensland Reds)
Skye Churchill (NSW Waratahs)
Tamika Jones (Western Force)
Tiarna Molloy (Queensland Reds)
Waiaria Ellis (NSW Waratahs)
PACIFIC FOUR SERIES
- Australia v Canada – Saturday May 11, Allianz Stadium, Sydney 4:55pm (AEST)
- Australia v USA – Friday, May 17, AAMI Park, Melbourne 4:55pm (AEST)
- Australia v New Zealand – Saturday, May 25, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland 12:05pm (AEST)
